Love x Hate

Having now been in Brringland for four months, I can honestly say that while I've tried to immerse myself in the local lifestyle, the initial excitement at being in a new country and getting a fab job with a famous bank is wearing a bit thin.

While I still get the occasional sense of 'Am I Really Here?', I have very quickly come to realize that there are a lot of inefficient and lazy people who do not take accountability for their own behaviour and actions.

At work, everything takes ages to complete. We recently hired a student intern from my Small Island and it took two months to get his contract sorted out. As you all know, I went through a similar experience with own hiring process in getting my credit and reference checks done. If it wasn't so politically incorrect, I would tell them in Singlish, "You think I'm like your country people ah?! I'm a law-abiding and hardworking citizen from the Small Island okay! Don't play play!"

The daily news is also very depressing, with knife crime and inflation both on the rise. Sometimes I don't even bother with it all. This country makes things hard for people like me, but easy for those who are undeserving, like those who can work but who milk the welfare system for all that their scummy little bodies are worth.

I have felt some frustration at the incompetence of the people here, but I know that I shouldn't dwell on that too much as there are also some wonderful things about this place.

On Saturday, P and I went to a flower show with our new friends. It was amazing and we walked around the various marquees that showcased some beautiful gardens. I took over 60 photos but have just selected three of my favourites.

This concept is of a mirrored garden, which looks like an endless forest:


How Brringlish is this? I love the cottage and the beautiful vegetable patch.

And imagine if this was in your backyard. I definitely wouldn't say no to it!

I got into the spirit of things by wearing my vintage Burberry mac (and also because it was a typically drizzly afternoon), eating fish and chips and drinking a refreshing Pimms. I was definitely cheered by the fact that P bought me a pair of wellies (blue with pink roses) for walking the dog in winter and a gorgeous shabby chic patchwork bedspread.

I guess at the lesson of the story is that although this country has a lot of faults, what REALLY helps me is retail therapy. All kidding aside, I do miss my friends, family and food back on our Small Island. Still, I have to be careful that I don't become one of the locals and turn into a whinging p*m! Or is it too late already?!